Gracie R. Larsen (1924-2009)
LARSEN, RICHEY, HOLDEN, FISHER
Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 12/25/2009 at 15:03:43
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, December 22, 2009.
Gracie R. Larsen, 85, of Ames, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. In keeping with her desire not to diminish the joy of the Christmas season, her memorial service will be held in early spring.
She was born Jan. 27, 1924, in Roscoe, Texas (Nolan County), the daughter of William Madison Richey and Martha Holden Richey. Gracie grew up in Texas and received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, and a master’s of social work from the University of Minnesota. She was employed as a social worker at the Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, National Jewish Hospital in Denver and the Child Guidance Clinic in Columbus, Ohio.
On June 19, 1954, Gracie married William L. Larsen in Denver, Colo. They moved to Ames in 1958 when William accepted a teaching position in the Engineering College at Iowa State University.
They had two sons, Eric William Larsen and Thomas Richey Larsen. Gracie was primarily a fulltime mother and homemaker early in her sons’ lives, but served as a volunteer and board member in number of community human service agencies. She was appointed by Gov. Robert Ray to the state human services board where she served for six years.
In 1975, she became the first director of the Story County Council on Aging, now Heartland Senior Citizens Services. She held the position for five years. She maintained a lifelong interest in services to others, especially children and the elderly.
She is survived by her husband, William L. Larsen; sons, Eric and his wife, Deb, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Thomas and his wife, Carolyn, of Andover, Minn.; and two beloved grandchildren, Kristin and Alex. She is also survived by one brother, Ray Richey, of Brownwood, Texas; one sister, Pauline Fisher, of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and one sister.
She will be remembered by those who are left behind as a warm and loving human being who placed the needs of others, especially those less fortunate than her, in front of her own and a person who made this world a better place for all of those lucky enough to have known her or to have benefited from her service to the community.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
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